The Department of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Mental Health (IAMH), will organise a National Conference on “Mental Health Care in the Contemporary Era: An Integrated Approach with Technology in a Changing World” on 11–12 July 2026 at the K.N. Udupa Auditorium, IMS-BHU, Varanasi. A pre-conference workshop will also be conducted on 10 July 2026 under the theme “Bridging Mind, Science, and Technology for Holistic Well-being.”
The conference aims to bring together psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, academicians, researchers, students, and mental health professionals from across the country to discuss emerging challenges, innovations, and integrative approaches in contemporary mental healthcare.
About IMS-BHU and IAMH
Established in 1963, the Department of Kayachikitsa, IMS-BHU, has made significant contributions to postgraduate education, research, and clinical practice in Ayurvedic Internal Medicine. The department has actively engaged in interdisciplinary research in psychiatry, neurology, geriatrics, psychosomatic disorders, dermatology, and related areas.
Its “Manas Roga Section,” established in 1988, focuses specifically on mental healthcare and psychological research. Supported by a dedicated clinic and Satvavajaya laboratory equipped with psychological assessment tools, the section works extensively in areas such as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and psychosomatic conditions.
The Indian Academy of Mental Health (IAMH), co-organiser of the conference, is a multidisciplinary professional body committed to promoting psychological well-being through conferences, workshops, awareness initiatives, and collaborative academic programmes involving mental health professionals from diverse disciplines.
Focus on Mental Health in the Contemporary Era
The conference seeks to address growing mental health concerns arising from rapid technological advancement, increasing psychosocial stress, changing interpersonal relationships, and digital dependency. Discussions will focus on how tele-mental health services, digital therapeutics, and artificial intelligence are transforming psychological care and improving accessibility to mental health support.
The event will also encourage dialogue on integrating evidence-based psychological practices with indigenous healing systems to promote holistic, ethical, and culturally sensitive mental healthcare models.
Conference Sub-Themes
The conference will feature discussions and research presentations on topics including:
- Digital Mental Health and E-Therapies
- Tele-Mental Health and Accessibility of Care
- Artificial Intelligence in Psychological Practice
- Youth Mental Health and Academic Stress
- Trauma, Stress, and Coping Mechanisms
- Behavioural Addiction and Digital Dependency
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Functioning
- Personality and Identity-Related Concerns
- Advances in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Community Mental Health and Public Health Perspectives
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Mental Health Practice
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Intervention Strategies
- Traditional and Integrative Approaches to Mental Healthcare
Important Dates and Schedule
- Pre-Conference Workshop: 10 July 2026
- Conference Dates: 11–12 July 2026
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 20 June 2026
- Venue: K.N. Udupa Auditorium, IMS-BHU, Varanasi
Abstract Submission Guidelines
Students, researchers, academicians, and mental health practitioners are invited to submit abstracts for oral and poster presentations.
Submission Requirements
Abstracts must follow a structured format, including Title, Authors’ details, Institutional affiliation, Word limit: 250–300 words, Keywords must be included, and Complete contact details and email address of the presenting author are mandatory.
Important Submission Information
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 20 June 2026
- Abstracts should be emailed to: iamhcon2026@gmail.com
Selection Process
- Abstract submission is open only to registered delegates
- Participants may submit multiple abstracts
- Only one oral presentation and one poster presentation per participant will be allowed, subject to approval by the Scientific Committee
- The organisers will issue certificates only to the presenting author
- Abstracts will be evaluated based on: Relevance to conference themes, Academic quality, Clarity of methodology, Contribution to contemporary mental health discourse.
Registration Fee Details
Category | Early Bird Registration (Before 1 June 2026) | Regular Registration | On-Spot Registration |
| Students | ₹2000 | ₹2500 | ₹3000 |
| Professionals | ₹3000 | ₹3500 | ₹4000 |
| IAMH Members | ₹2500 | ₹3000 | ₹3500 |
Interested participants can register through the official registration form shared by the organisers.
Conference Reference
Conference brochure, registration details, and further updates are available on the official Banaras Hindu University (BHU) website: https://www.bhu.ac.in
